In Berks County, we're lucky to have a strong group of powerful women leaders. Nowhere is this more evident than our business community.
Each year, the Greater Reading Chamber announces the ranking of the top 50 area companies and entrepreneurs, based on compiled revenue growth data, at our annual dinner. And each year the list reflects the amazing diversity of companies that operate in Berks. This year, it's clear: women are driving us forward.
Our Entrepreneurial Excellence list Top 10 highlights just some of those women leaders. Sweet Ride Ice Cream, led by Angie Farrell, is number three on the list after coming home with the title last year. Sweet Ride, a favorite in a West Reading community that is a shining example of a thriving Main Street area. Farrell is joined by a number of other women leaders in the Top 10: Dr. Mindy K. Brudereck (owner, Berks Hearing Professionals), Lauren Minnich (owner, Wyomissing ATA Martial Arts), Elizabeth Gallen Mastromarino (managing director, Financial Planning Advisors), Elaine Brown (partner, Berks Digital), Cari Nelson (owner, Wyomissing Hair Studio), Alyce Versagli (owner, Skin Care by Alyce), Wendy Moyer-Drabick (president, Moyer-Drabick & Associates).
Women also made their mark on the Top 50 list, from Ann Moll (president, Gallen Insurance) to Caroline Hill (owner, Van Scoy Jewelers), Diane Salks (president, Riverview Tree & Landscaping), Llona Stish (franchise partner, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?), and Diane Hitt (president, East Coast Erosion Control), among others.
Two of our top three businesses this year are in our thriving financial sector: Riverview Financial Corporation at number one, and Good Life Management at number three. Good Life is a former winner of our entrepreneurial award, and they continue to innovate at their new location. Riverview has regional roots dating back to 1900, and offers personalized services to businesses and individuals in Berks and beyond. Number two this year, up one spot from last year, is E.G. Smith, part of the Rhoads Family of Companies, one-stop shop for oil heating or propane services based in South Heidelberg Township.
The Top 50 list had several newcomers this year, such as Solve IT Solutions, who went from the entrepreneur list to number 11- quite a jump. And two strong landscaping companies, Anewalt's Landscape Contracting and Riverview Tree & Landscaping, make new appearances on the list. Our numbers four through six companies: Compass MSP, Translogistics, and Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center, respectively, all experienced jumps of roughly 20 or more spots.
We already mentioned Sweet Ride at number two, and our Entrepreneurial winners were led by another newcomer, Wyatt Seating, which creates chairs that you have to see (and sit on) to believe. The top three was rounded out by Rothenberger Insurance Solutions.
Berks County's diverse business community is reflective of our region at large. There's a lot to be excited about in Berks. We continue to grow. The success and dedication of our local business community is one of many reasons our region is such an outstanding live, work, and play community. Congrats to the 2019 Top Business and Entrepreneurial Award winners! ¦
Randy Peers is the president and CEO of Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.